‘al-sho'ur bil gheir’

Instead of with the anticipated renewal of hope and faith, the world rang in this New Year with violence and destruction. While Obama’s inauguration shed a brighter light on our future, rocket glare and fiery hatred shone on Gaza. In the midst of such a crisis, I was overcome with an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. And being in a part of the world where the impact is so pervasive and the pain so blatant, I can’t help but to have a heightened awareness and intensified experience with the tragedy. But in loss and devastation comes unity and incredible support for those in need, and I have been inspired and proud to be a part of a country and community so swift to action and so empowered to help bring relief to a people who have suffered for far too long. Nayab and I are so lucky to have our focus be on community partnership and outreach; for we were able to pour ourselves into relief work and make use of our energy and frustration. Our job requires that we be informed, empathetic and in action- and for that I am so grateful. It was with constant planning of events, fundraising and spreading awareness that I was able to overcome the looming, internal despair and reaffirmed my commitment to act and stand up against violence and injustice.

Nayab and I organized a week called ‘al-sho'ur bil gheir’, or feeling for others, to help aid the citizens of Gaza and honor those killed in the warfare. On the first day, January 11, we used the 2000 JD (2,820 USD) we had collected in a Support Gaza Coin Drive to purchase medical supplies. We were able to send Gaza City hospitals and communities 20 full medical kits, including necessary antibiotics and disinfectants.

The following day, in an all school meeting a few of our students showed a moving but extremely disturbing video depicting the Israeli bombing of Gaza and its victims. A handful of students and community members were unable to stomach the graphic images and walked out of the film early. The objective was to shock, and it did just that.

On the third day, we held an open mic forum and a commemorative candle light vigil. Students, faculty and administrators gathered in the side Dining Hall after dinner to shares poems, songs, prayers and reflections. We then proceeded in candle light to the HM King Abdullah II Spiritual Center for a brief period of silence. On student poignantly stated: "We are all one hand, one heart", another requested:"I ask everyone to pray with all their heart, to just take one moment of silence before they sleep". During the spoken words and performances, students created prayer flags with markers and cloth we had provided. Nayab and I then hung these in the dining hall. We were overwhelmed with appreciation for how many came to the event and showed their support. In contrast to the passionate reactions surrounding the events in Gaza, this evening was dedicated to peace and a renewal of hope- it was a transformative experience for everyone.

In addition to a great turn out- we had a lot of students take initiative and help us with the organizing and brainstorming for the event. Students also helped with preparation- creating
candle holders, selling promotional items, and with cleaning up.

On the fourth day, we featured the documentary Occupation 101 in the Lecture Hall, after which students split into groups to discuss the film and share their fears and hopes for occupied Palestine.

We also organized a fundraiser called “Pizza for Palestine”, in which faculty, staff and administrators had the opportunity to buy slices of pizza for lunch in lieu of the usual Dining Hall meal. Proceeds were used to purchase additional medical supplies.

As a culmination of the week, we secured a spot in a charity fair over the weekend. Nayab and I along with our boss and a few volunteers ran a stand at the ‘Souq for Gaza’ in Amman selling donated books, candles, pictures and bric-a-brac. The goal for the whole day was to raise 1000 JD- everyone involved exceeded expectations and we ended up with over 5000 JD! The day was indescribably momentous. I really felt a part of the Amman community. It was so refreshing to see so many people gathering together and working towards a common goal that we all felt passionately about regardless of ethnicity or circumstance. The event catered towards all ages and audiences with music, games, food and all sorts of odds and ends- it was truly an event for the people by the people. With my Palestinian hattah warped around my neck, my King’s sweater on and an ‘aid Gaza’ bracelet on, I finally understood the meaning of a uniform- to be distinguished as a representative of something- and I am infinitely proud of the uniform I wear in support of our brothers and sisters next door to Jordan and in favor of peace and human compassion.